Highlights from this week’s Orange Hatter Reading Club meeting discussing Chapter 4 of nostr:npub1tm2048gau5mp8u5kfnxk68y7wzzpv5ggpuluqmhlhrtaldl49kzs7elpna's The Hidden Cost of Money.... join us next week!
Highlights from this week’s Orange Hatter Reading Club meeting discussing Chapter 4 of Seb Bunney's The Hidden Cost of Money.... join us next week!
Tuna, Debt, and the Hard Truth: Why Frugality and Hard Work Won’t Save Our Kids Anymore
Years ago, as a college senior, I lived on $10 a week. My budget was stark: 1 can of tuna (29 cents) and 1 box of Tuna Helper (89 cents). This was divided up as my breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My college expenses—tuition, books, and room—were fixed; the only expense within my control was my food budget. My plan was to conserve as much as possible and pay off my student debt quickly. I wore this extreme frugality as a badge of honor, believing I was "eating bitterness" to build character. Thankfully, I was able to become debt-free within a few short years.
Fast forward to today. My son is walking a similar path—pasta and canned meat are his staples. But he faces not just student debt that’s many times larger than mine, but also the high cost of a second-hand car and steep insurance rates. This time, he won't be able to starve his way out of the debt cycle. I see troubling challenges that seem almost insurmountable for a young person entering adult life. This time, I see no heroism. I see a troubling cycle:
- Young people trapped in work and debt
- Crippling taxes on entry-level salaries
- Desperate measures to cut living expenses
- A money supply that’s expanding, devaluing the wages they work so hard to earn
Frugality can no longer be the solution it once was. Even the most disciplined budget can’t protect against today’s inflation. The cost of basic necessities has risen drastically, and the value of money earned today buys far less than it used to. The money supply continues to expand, devaluing wages in the process. Our kids are working just as hard, but inflation eats away at every dollar they earn. Where I once prided myself on living on next to nothing, today’s youth face rising prices that make even the simplest meals costly. What’s more, the overwhelming debt many face after graduation means no amount of "belt-tightening" will get them ahead.
On top of that, student debt has ballooned to unprecedented levels. My own debt, while burdensome, was manageable with frugal living. But today, student debt is often many times what it once was, leaving young people with overwhelming obligations before they’ve even begun their careers. This isn't just about budgeting, belt-tightening, and paying your dues anymore; there aren’t enough hours in the day for young people to exchange their labor for income that can keep up with inflation and debt repayment. They now face the difficult choice between paying for basic necessities and paying down their debt.
As parents and grandparents, what can we do? How can we empower our kids? The path forward starts with understanding:
- Why this is happening—understanding current monetary policies and their impact
- How we can make informed decisions based on real financial education
Knowledge is power! But we need more than facts—we need community and action.
That’s why I’m inviting you to join the Orange Hatter Reading Club. It’s not just about books; it’s about parents and grandparents coming together to:
- Discuss books that educate and empower us about money
- Share financial wisdom and experiences
- Strategize together to tackle today’s economic challenges
- Support one another in helping our children and grandchildren find a way forward
Have you or your children faced similar financial hurdles? What strategies worked for you?
Join us at the Orange Hatter Reading Club. Let’s break this cycle together and pave the way for our children's financial freedom.
Comment below with your experiences or DM me to learn more about joining our community!
#FinancialFreedom #WomenEmpowerment #MoneyEducation #OrangeHatter
While Scott and I visited D.C. last week, we participated in the nostr:npub1mcke7stw5mrqp97lmdu0qdrfcz2uertdsy2n9pzvfnsdutx3hvkq7d5mnw’s monthly book club meeting. We had a fascinating discussion about Saleha Mohsin's "Paper Soldiers: How the Weaponization of the Dollar Changed the World Order." The book explores the US dollar's role as a geopolitical tool and suggests that the "right" Treasury Secretary can maintain dollar strength and global financial stability. However, as Bitcoiners, our group posed a thought-provoking alternative--What if we embraced a decentralized approach where:
• Millions of individuals "vote" with their economic decisions;
• The marketplace reflects collective choices aimed at improving lives;
• We move away from relying on a central authority for financial stability.
This perspective values every voice, not just those of a select few. It challenges us to reconsider the current financial paradigm and explore alternatives like Bitcoin.
Thoughts?
How do you see the future of global finance evolving?
#FinancialFuture #moneyliteracy #EconomicEmpowerment
While Scott and I visited D.C. last week, we participated in the Bitcoin District’s monthly book club meeting. We had a fascinating discussion about Saleha Mohsin's "Paper Soldiers: How the Weaponization of the Dollar Changed the World Order." The book explores the US dollar's role as a geopolitical tool and suggests that the "right" Treasury Secretary can maintain dollar strength and global financial stability. However, as Bitcoiners, our group posed a thought-provoking alternative--What if we embraced a decentralized approach where:
• Millions of individuals "vote" with their economic decisions;
• The marketplace reflects collective choices aimed at improving lives;
• We move away from relying on a central authority for financial stability.
This perspective values every voice, not just those of a select few. It challenges us to reconsider the current financial paradigm and explore alternatives like Bitcoin.
Thoughts?
How do you see the future of global finance evolving?
#FinancialFuture#Decentralization #moneyliteracy #EconomicEmpowerment
Highlights from this week’s Orange Hatter Reading Club meeting discussing Chapter 4 of nostr:npub1tm2048gau5mp8u5kfnxk68y7wzzpv5ggpuluqmhlhrtaldl49kzs7elpna's The Hidden Cost of Money.... join us next week!
🌸 Is Today’s Monetary System Dehumanizing Us? Let’s Talk About It!
In our latest reading club discussion, we dove into Chapter 4 of The Hidden Cost of Money by nostr:npub1tm2048gau5mp8u5kfnxk68y7wzzpv5ggpuluqmhlhrtaldl49kzs7elpna and it sparked some powerful conversations about how money shapes not just our wallets, but who we are as people.
We talked about how today’s system is pushing us from long-term thinkers into short-term survivors, where we're forced to focus on meeting basic needs rather than striving for higher goals like creativity, community support, and personal growth. This shift is all about time preference—we’re more focused on the present because the future feels so uncertain.
One member shared a story about her family’s work in a factory, where corporate quotas are so impossible that managers feel forced to manipulate data just to avoid the backlash.
Another member brought up the monetization of caregiving, where she’s paid by the government to care for her mother. It’s a helpful program, but we wondered: Is turning caregiving into a transaction taking away from its humanity?
We also touched on how many young people today are choosing not to have children because of concerns about the future—whether it’s financial insecurity or fears about climate change.
💬 Does any of this resonate with you? If you’ve been feeling the pressure to meet impossible targets, the weight of financial uncertainty, or concerns about the future, join our reading club! We’re diving into these topics to better understand how we can navigate today’s challenges—together.
hashtag#FinancialLiteracy hashtag#WomenEmpowerment hashtag#Bitcoin hashtag#Monetization
Today, I started reading When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids by Gregg Behr & Ryan Rydzewski. I stumbled upon it while browsing the “New” section at my local library. Even though I’ve only made it through the foreword and introduction, every page has left me nodding in agreement, reflecting on how these lessons apply to teaching money literacy to the next generation.
One story stood out—Google's Project Oxygen. Their goal was to figure out what makes a great manager. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t technical skills like coding, which actually ranked last. Instead, what mattered most were human skills—clear communication, collaboration, and, above all, being an accessible leader who genuinely cares about their team.
This lesson translates to more than just managing people at Google. It’s a powerful reminder that for kids—and really, for anyone—to thrive, they need more than facts and figures. Tomorrow's leaders will be the ones who listen, ask thoughtful questions, and nurture empathy and teamwork.
Now, think about this in the context of Bitcoin and money literacy education. The best teachers won’t necessarily be the tech experts or the ones with all the historical knowledge. They’ll be the ones who show they care, who inspire curiosity without making others feel judged or overwhelmed.
When I started Super Kay Adventures, it was with the belief that kindness and curiosity form the foundation for understanding bigger concepts like freedom and self-responsibility—values central to Bitcoin. It’s not just about what you know; it’s about how you connect with others.
Until people know you care, they won’t care what you know.
hashtag#moneyliteracy
The senate voting on the budget behind us.
Scott and I are on Capitol Hill today.
Just met with our congressman Thomas Massie and thanked him for speaking out when others won’t i.e. budget theater #MoneyLiteracy.
✨ Adaptability in Action: A Lesson from Louisville Startup Week ✨
This week, I had the opportunity to attend #LouisvilleStartupWeek and was scheduled to deliver a two-part presentation on #Bitcoin to local startup founders.
Part 1 kicked off as planned—members of the Louisville Bitcoin Network began with an enthusiastic intro on Bitcoin: how it works, its value, and the different ways transactions are conducted. The audience was intrigued, but as I watched from the back of the room, something became clear: while everyone was interested, few had previous exposure to Bitcoin. The majority of the audience was trying to absorb brand new and very foreign concepts.
As more information was shared, I could sense the energy in the room gradually diminishing. It was a lot to take in—especially on a grey, rainy day with the relentless downpour visible outside the big glass windows. Their minds were working overtime to translate these complex ideas into something they could grasp.
So, we made a last-minute pivot.
Instead of continuing with another dense lecture, we switched gears and invited everyone to play HODL UP, the Bitcoin mining board game. Drinks were ordered, the board was set up, and the atmosphere shifted immediately. 💡
What followed was a lighthearted yet highly engaging continuation of the Bitcoin conversation—this time, in a hands-on and interactive format. By the end of the event, the room was buzzing with energy.
Lesson learned:
When introducing Bitcoin to a room full of complete newbies, bite-sized information is key—and whenever possible, make learning interactive.
#Startups #BitcoinEducation #LearningByDoing #Adaptability #InteractiveLearning #HODLUP #Louisville
Many thanks to Louisville Startup Week for inviting us to participate!
🔥 Day 10: 10 Reasons Why Orange-Pilling Kids Isn’t About Telling Them About Bitcoin…Yet 🔥
Welcome back! We’ve explored building character, developing a growth mindset, fostering problem-solving skills, and more. Now, we’re wrapping up the series with an important real-world lesson:
REASON 10: IT'S ABOUT HELPING KIDS RECOGNIZE THE CONSEQUENCES OF INFLATION
💡 Before kids can fully grasp Bitcoin, they need to understand the concept of inflation and how it affects their everyday life. 💡
Inflation can feel like an abstract concept, especially for kids, but helping them recognize its effects — like why the same toy costs more today than it did a year ago — sets the stage for understanding how money works, and ultimately, why Bitcoin matters.
When kids understand the consequences of inflation, they:
* See how prices rise over time and how it impacts their savings.
* Realize that the money they have today might not have the same value tomorrow.
* Start questioning the stability of the traditional monetary system, which opens the door to exploring alternatives like Bitcoin.
🚀 Bitcoin represents an alternative to inflationary systems, and understanding inflation helps kids see why such alternatives exist. 🚀
Teaching kids about inflation in simple, relatable ways — such as comparing the price of their favorite snack or toy over time — helps them grasp the idea of declining purchasing power. Once they see this, they’ll start asking deeper questions about money, value, and why Bitcoin offers something different.
✨ Help kids recognize inflation, and they’ll be better equipped to understand the need for decentralized solutions like Bitcoin. ✨
🎯 How do YOU teach kids about inflation?
Whether it’s through simple examples or money lessons, I’d love to hear how you’re helping kids understand this crucial concept.
💬 Share your ideas in the comments!
🔜 That’s a wrap! Thank you for following along with the “10 Reasons Why Orange-Pilling Kids Isn’t About Telling Them About Bitcoin…Yet” series.
Stay tuned for more insights on educating the next generation!
hashtag#education hashtag#inflation hashtag#parenting hashtag#bitcoin hashtag#financialliteracy
🔔 P.S. If you’ve been following along with this series and wondering how to start teaching these important life skills, I’ve written a children’s book series, Super Kay Adventures, that’s designed to do exactly that! 🌟
Each story in the series helps children build essential traits like self-confidence, problem-solving, and understanding value, all in a fun and engaging way. Perfect for parents and educators who want to empower kids with the skills they need to thrive.
💬 Interested in learning more? Drop me a comment or DM, and I’d be happy to share!
🔥 Day 9: 10 Reasons Why Orange-Pilling Kids Isn’t About Telling Them About Bitcoin…Yet 🔥
Welcome back! We’ve covered the importance of creativity, innovation, and developing a growth mindset. Today, let’s talk about a skill that equips kids to face real-world challenges:
REASON 9: IT'S ABOUT TEACHING PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS
🧩 Before kids can understand Bitcoin, they need to develop problem-solving skills. 🧩
Problem-solving for kids is about more than just finding the right answer — it’s about learning how to think critically, evaluate options, and explore different solutions.
This skill helps kids become confident learners and creative thinkers.
When kids learn problem-solving, they:
* Approach challenges with a “try and try again” mindset, rather than giving up when something doesn’t work the first time.
* Develop perseverance and grit by working through tough challenges.
* Are able to approach new, unfamiliar ideas (like Bitcoin!) with curiosity and confidence.
🚀 Bitcoin is a solution to a global financial problem, and understanding it requires strong problem-solving abilities. 🚀
Teaching kids to solve problems equips them with tools to navigate new ideas and systems.
Whether they’re solving puzzles, figuring out how things work, or understanding how money flows, problem-solving gives them the confidence to explore, think critically, and innovate.
✨ Start teaching problem-solving early, and kids will naturally be able to grasp bigger concepts — including Bitcoin — as they grow. ✨
🎯 What are YOUR favorite ways to teach problem-solving to kids?
Whether it’s through hands-on projects, puzzles, or real-world challenges, I’d love to hear how you’re developing this essential skill in the next generation.
💬 Share your ideas in the comments!
🔜 Tomorrow, we’ll wrap up the series with Reason 10: Helping Kids Recognize the Consequences of Inflation. Don’t miss it!
hashtag#education hashtag#problemsolving hashtag#parenting hashtag#bitcoin
🔥 Day 8: 10 Reasons Why Orange-Pilling Kids Isn’t About Telling Them About Bitcoin…Yet 🔥
Welcome back! We’ve covered everything from character building to developing a growth mindset. Now, let’s dive into a key trait that sparks big ideas and drives change in the world:
REASON 8: IT'S ABOUT FOSTERING CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION
🎨 Before kids can grasp Bitcoin, they need to understand the power of creativity and innovation. 🎨
Innovation is at the heart of Bitcoin — a creative solution to a long-standing problem. To appreciate something as revolutionary as Bitcoin, kids need to cultivate their own sense of creativity. It’s not just about art; it’s about thinking outside the box, challenging conventional systems, and imagining new possibilities.
When kids foster creativity and innovation, they:
* See challenges as opportunities for new solutions.
* Aren’t afraid to disrupt the status quo.
* Develop the courage to pursue bold ideas.
🚀 Bitcoin itself is a product of innovation — a decentralized solution to centralized problems. 🚀
Encouraging creativity in children isn’t just about helping them paint a picture or build with blocks. It’s about teaching them to think beyond traditional structures and dream up better ways to solve problems.
When kids learn to approach life with curiosity and creativity, they’re naturally more inclined to appreciate disruptive technologies like Bitcoin.
✨ Fostering creativity means opening kids’ minds to possibilities they might not have seen otherwise — including Bitcoin. ✨
🎯 How do YOU foster creativity and innovation in kids?
Whether it’s through imaginative play, problem-solving, or hands-on projects, I’d love to hear your thoughts on nurturing creativity in the next generation.
💬 Share your strategies below!
🔜 Tomorrow, we’ll explore Reason 9: Teaching Problem-Solving Skills. Don’t miss it!
hashtag#education hashtag#creativity hashtag#innovation hashtag#parenting hashtag#bitcoin
🔥 Day 7: 10 Reasons Why Orange-Pilling Kids Isn’t About Telling Them About Bitcoin…Yet 🔥
Welcome back! So far, we’ve explored the importance of character, self-confidence, responsibility, critical thinking, independent thinking, and understanding value. Today, let’s talk about a mindset that shapes how kids approach learning and growth:
REASON 7: IT'S ABOUT INSTILLING A GROWTH MINDSET
🌱 Before kids can understand Bitcoin, they need to believe they can grow and improve. 🌱
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities, intelligence, and understanding aren’t fixed — they can grow with effort, learning, and persistence.
This mindset is critical because it empowers kids to face challenges head-on, knowing they have the capacity to improve. When kids adopt a growth mindset, they become lifelong learners.
Kids with a growth mindset:
* Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn.
* Understand that failure is part of the learning process.
* Are more resilient and willing to push through difficulties.
🚀 A growth mindset makes it easier for kids to grasp complex concepts like Bitcoin because they believe they can figure it out, even if it’s hard at first. 🚀
Whether it’s learning a new skill, solving a tough math problem, or understanding how decentralized systems work, a growth mindset helps children see potential instead of obstacles.
They know that effort leads to improvement, and they’re not afraid to dive into new or unfamiliar territory.
✨ When kids believe they can grow, they’ll be excited to explore — including exploring Bitcoin one day. ✨
🎯 How do YOU foster a growth mindset in kids?
Whether it’s encouraging perseverance or celebrating effort over results, I’d love to hear your methods for cultivating this powerful mindset.
💬 Drop your insights in the comments below!
🔜 Tomorrow, we’ll cover Reason 8: Fostering Creativity and Innovation. Stay tuned for more!
hashtag#education hashtag#growthmindset hashtag#parenting hashtag#bitcoin
🔥 Day 6: 10 Reasons Why Orange-Pilling Kids Isn’t About Telling Them About Bitcoin…Yet 🔥
Welcome back! We’ve talked about building character, developing self-confidence, instilling personal responsibility, teaching critical thinking, and encouraging independent thinking. Today, we’re diving into a fundamental concept:
REASON 6: IT'S ABOUT HELPING KIDS UNDERSTAND VALUE
💡 Before kids can appreciate what Bitcoin is, they need to understand the concept of value. 💡
We’re not just talking about money — we’re talking about value in everything: time, effort, relationships, and yes, financial systems.
Teaching children what value means — how it’s created, preserved, and sometimes lost — is the foundation for understanding more complex economic concepts later on.
When kids understand value, they:
* Recognize the importance of hard work and saving.
* See the true worth in their actions and decisions.
* Begin to appreciate how value can change, grow, or erode over time.
💰 Bitcoin is about preserving value, but before that, kids need to know what value is. 💰
If children don’t grasp the basic idea of value, they won’t understand why Bitcoin was created or why it’s so significant.
Start by teaching them about value in their everyday lives — from saving money in their piggy bank to valuing their time and effort.
Once they have this foundation, they’ll be able to connect the dots to larger ideas like Bitcoin.
✨ When kids understand value, they’re equipped to make smarter decisions about what’s important to them — in money and in life. ✨
🎯 How are YOU teaching the concept of value to kids?
Whether it’s through money lessons, work ethic, or daily choices, I’d love to hear how you’re helping kids grasp this essential idea.
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments!
🔜 Tomorrow, we’ll talk about Reason 7: Instilling a Growth Mindset. Keep an eye out!
hashtag#education hashtag#value hashtag#parenting hashtag#bitcoin hashtag#financialliteracy
💡 How Inflation and Money Supply Are Quietly Shaping Our Lives: Lessons from The Hidden Cost of Money
In our latest reading club discussions of nostr:npub1tm2048gau5mp8u5kfnxk68y7wzzpv5ggpuluqmhlhrtaldl49kzs7elpna's The Hidden Cost of Money, we uncovered some stark truths about how inflation and banking practices impact our daily lives—and it’s clear that these issues affect all of us, no matter where we live.
One of our members from Europe shared a frustration that resonated deeply: When people protest against unfair government regulations, they’re often vilified. The result? It feels like the syst
em just shrugs it off, leaving people powerless to create meaningful change. This led us to think—how many of us feel trapped in a system we can’t change?
Another member pointed out something that’s happening right under our noses: Property owners push management companies to constantly raise rents to “market” levels, even for long-term tenants who have always paid on time. The result? People are being priced out of their homes because their incomes can’t keep up with the rising cost of living. Can you imagine paying rent faithfully for years only to be evicted because of a rent hike? It’s happening all around us.
We also had a real “Aha!” moment when one member admitted she had no idea that banks, not just the Federal Reserve, increase the money supply. Banks are able to lend more due to lowered reserve ratio requirements, which fuels inflation. This concept shocked many of us—most people don’t realize how the system works and how it’s affecting our wallets.
And perhaps the most heartbreaking comment came from a member whose 26-year-old son doesn’t expect to ever own a home. He’s already accepted that homeownership is out of reach due to skyrocketing prices. Imagine being in your 20s and feeling like you’ll never achieve one of the most fundamental milestones of adulthood. It’s a harsh reality that many young people are coming to terms with today.
These aren’t just stories—they’re real-life impacts of a system designed to benefit those with assets while leaving the rest to struggle. The discussions we’ve had in our reading club go beyond just reading; they’ve helped us see how these hidden forces shape our lives in ways we often don’t realize.
Are you ready to join the conversation?
Reading alone only scratches the surface. Together, we can dive deeper into the hidden cost of money and how to protect our families’ futures.
🔥 Day 5: 10 Reasons Why Orange-Pilling Kids Isn’t About Telling Them About Bitcoin…Yet 🔥
Welcome back! So far, we’ve covered strength of character, self-confidence, personal responsibility, and critical thinking skills. Today, we’re focusing on another crucial element in preparing kids for the future:
REASON 5: IT'S ABOUT ENCOURAGING INDEPENDENT THINKING
🧠 Before kids can grasp the concept of Bitcoin, they need to learn how to think for themselves. 🧠
In a world where information is everywhere, it’s easy to follow the crowd or go along with popular opinion.
But real innovation — like Bitcoin — doesn’t come from conformity. It comes from thinking independently, questioning the status quo, and finding new solutions to old problems.
When children develop independent thinking, they:
* Challenge conventional wisdom instead of accepting it blindly.
* Develop their own opinions and are comfortable standing by them.
* Become more resilient in the face of peer pressure and societal expectations.
🚀 Bitcoin itself is a product of independent thinking — a challenge to traditional financial systems. 🚀
Kids who learn to think independently are more likely to embrace innovative ideas like Bitcoin because they won’t be tied to outdated systems or ways of thinking. They’ll have the confidence to explore alternatives and trust their own judgment when navigating new concepts.
✨ Encouraging independent thinking means empowering kids to break free from the mold and discover the world on their own terms. ✨
🎯 How do YOU foster independent thinking in the kids around you?
Whether it’s encouraging them to form their own opinions or teaching them to ask “why,” I’d love to hear your thoughts!
💬 Drop your ideas in the comments below.
🔜 Tomorrow, we’ll talk about Reason 6: Helping Kids Understand Value. Stay tuned for more insights!
hashtag#education hashtag#independentthinking hashtag#parenting hashtag#bitcoin hashtag#leadership
I'm thinking about how Austin Kleon describes the process of creativity in his book Steal Like an Artist. So I went into ChatGPT and asked for a pithy summary of the book regarding creativity. Here what it came up with. Remember this book was written before AI became so readily available.
ChatGPT
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon argues that creativity is about remixing and building upon the ideas of others, rather than creating something entirely original. Kleon emphasizes that no idea is born in isolation; instead, creative work is the result of borrowing, adapting, and transforming the influences around you. The key is to find inspiration from various sources, then remix and reshape them into something uniquely your own. By embracing curiosity and continuous learning, anyone can develop their creative voice.
Isn't this exactly what AI software is doing?...
Our job is to stay ahead of it rather than to fear it.